Massive drug bust: NDLEA intercepts over two tons of narcotics in Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, others
By Sodiq Adelakun
In the past week, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted over two tons of illegal substances in various states across Nigeria.
The spokesperson for the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi, announced on Sunday in Abuja that their operatives conducted raids in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo, and Kogi.
On Monday, November 20, the NDLEA operatives stormed a warehouse at Obi Camp in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo. During the raid, they discovered and seized 338kg of Indian hemp that was cleverly concealed in sacks of charcoal.
Furthermore, on Saturday, November 25, the NDLEA operatives conducted another raid in Ikhin Forest in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo. During this operation, they successfully seized 235kg of the same psychoactive substance, Indian hemp.
These recent interceptions by the NDLEA are a significant step towards curbing the illegal drug trade in Nigeria and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
“A suspect, Onah Ikechukwu (32) was arrested at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
“The operatives seized 11,690 capsules of tramadol, 295 bottles of codeine syrup and various quantities of Molly, Indian hemp and Methamphetamine from the suspect.
“Another raid on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island, led to the seizure of 40,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 440,000 pills of tramadol in a store belonging to one fleeing Ebuka Amechi.
“Not less than 135,600 capsules of tramadol and 950gm of Indian hemp were seized from two suspects – Afamefuna Ibekwe (37), and Sunday Onweh (41) at Nkpor, Akuzor and Ose-Ogbaijo, Onitsha, respectively,” he stated.
Babafemi added that 37,360 pills of different psychoactive drugs and 250 bottles of codeine syrup were recovered from one Muhammed Khamis (22) on Thursday, Nov. 23 on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.
The drugs were being transported from Onitsha, Anambra to Abuja, Babafemi stated.
NDLEA operatives in Ekiti seized 288kg of Indian hemp at Odo-Owa Forest in Ijero Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Nov. 25.
“At least, 116kg of Indian hemp were seized from a suspect, Chinagoram Obaru (24) who was arrested at Iju Forest on Thursday, Nov. 23,’’ he added.
Babafemi also stated that 859kg of Indian hemp, concealed among bags of sugar in a truck for onward transportation to Mokwa, Niger state were recovered.
The consignment, he stated, was loaded in Ogbese, Ondo State and concealed among bags of cement in a truck. It was then transferred to another articulated vehicle in Ogun.
On Friday, November 24, two suspects – Adamu Ibrahim and Nura Sani – were apprehended by NDLEA operatives at Ileke trailer garage on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of NDLEA, praised the officers and personnel for their successful seizures and arrests.
He urged them to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts, particularly as criminal networks were becoming more desperate to make quick money in preparation for the Yuletide season.
